If you're looking for the ultimate guide for your San Ysidro Ranch wedding, then you come to the right place! I am a wedding photographer familiar with the Santa Barbara area and in this guide, I'm covering everything you need to know about planning a wedding at San Ysidro Ranch.

The History of San Ysidro Ranch | Montecito Wedding Venue

San Ysidro Ranch is considered a legendary hideaway located in Montecito, California. Described as a “tranquil vacation destination”, this beautiful Montecito wedding venue has been in business since 1893. Originally, the land of San Ysidro Ranch was occupied by Franciscan monks by the late 1700s. San Ysidro Ranch actually gets its name from Saint Isidore, the patron saint of agriculture. Since then, San Ysidro Ranch has gone through massive transformations.

Fun Facts About San Ysidro Ranch

Fact 1: Celebrity Weddings and Honeymoons

The ranch has been a favorite retreat for Hollywood's elite since the 1920s. Stars like Audrey Hepburn, Groucho Marx, and Winston Churchill have all been known to enjoy the serene atmosphere and luxurious accommodations at San Ysidro Ranch. San Ysidro Ranch Santa Barbara also has a long history of hosting celebrity weddings and honeymoons. Most notably, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier exchanged their vows at the ranch in 1953, and it has since become a popular destination for celebrity weddings and events.

Fact 2: A Botanical Paradise

San Ysidro Ranch is home to over 500 species of plants, including a 400-year-old sycamore tree and a 100-year-old wisteria vine. The beautifully landscaped grounds are a sight to behold and provide an idyllic backdrop for your wedding photos.

Who Is San Ysidro Ranch Wedding Perfect For?

One of the key standout features of this Montecito wedding venue includes the 550 acres of land. This is perfect if you’re looking for a wedding venue with an incredible view and plenty of space. At a glance, San Ysidro Ranch has it all. From vine-covered cottages with cozy fireplaces, private patios, and spas, it truly is a couple's dream getaway.

Not only that, but you get the ultimate amount of privacy. San Ysidro Ranch is known for having the ultimate seclusion that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Channel Island from the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. If you’re looking to have an intimate San Ysidro Ranch wedding, then this Montecito wedding venue is perfect for you.

Steps to Plan a Wedding at San Ysidro Ranch

Step 1: Contact the Events Team

Reach out to the San Ysidro Ranch events team to inquire about availability, pricing, and packages. They'll provide you with all the necessary information to help you decide if the venue is the perfect fit for your wedding.

Step 2: Schedule a Site Visit

If possible, schedule a site visit to tour the property, view the event spaces, and discuss your vision with the events team. This will help you get a feel for the venue and ensure it aligns with your wedding dreams.

Step 3: Secure Your Date

Once you've decided on a date, sign a contract and provide a deposit to secure your reservation. The events team will guide you through this process and provide you with a timeline for planning your wedding.

Step 4: Choose Your Vendors

Begin researching and selecting your wedding vendors, such as a photographer, florist, and entertainment.

Step 5: Plan Your Menu and Beverage Selection

Work with the San Ysidro Ranch culinary team to create a customized menu and beverage selection that reflects your tastes and preferences. They offer a variety of options, from plated dinners to buffet-style service, ensuring a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.

Step 6: Design Your Wedding Décor and Layout

Collaborate with your vendors and the events team to design your wedding décor and layout, keeping in mind any venue restrictions. This includes choosing your ceremony and reception setup, floral arrangements, and any additional rentals needed.

Step 7: Coordinate Accommodations and Transportation

Arrange accommodations for your out-of-town guests and coordinate transportation to and from the venue, if needed. San Ysidro Ranch Santa Barbara offers luxurious on-site accommodations, and there are several nearby hotels to choose from as well.

Step 8: Plan Rehearsal Dinner and Farewell Brunch

If you'd like to host additional events, such as a rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch, discuss these with the events team and make the necessary arrangements.

Step 9: Finalize Details and Timeline

As your wedding day approaches, work with your vendors and the events team to finalize all details and create a timeline for your big day. This ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for everyone involved.

Best Areas for San Ysidro Ranch Photos

Below are my personal favorite areas for San Ysidro Ranch Photos

The Gardens

The Gardens is a key feature of this Montecito wedding venue. Surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and lavender, this will make your wedding portraits stand out like nobody's business!

Lemon Pergola

At San Ysidro Ranch, you can find their lemon pergola which makes you feel like you are right there in Italy. It is an area with tons of natural light which can give you that perfect golden glow for your wedding portraits.

The Hillside

Right next to the San Ysidro Ranch is access to the beautiful Santa Ynez hillsides. If you’re up for a little adventure, these hillsides lead you to views overlooking the San Ysidro Ranch out to the Pacific Ocean.

Stonehouse San Ysidro Ranch

The Stonehouse Terrace offers a breathtaking backdrop of lush gardens and a sparkling fountain, making it an ideal location for romantic wedding portraits.

The Olive Grove

Surrounded by ancient olive trees, the Olive Grove offers a unique and rustic setting for capturing unforgettable moments during your San Ysidro Ranch wedding.

The Sycamore Tree

The majestic 400-year-old sycamore tree serves as a stunning natural backdrop for timeless wedding photos.

The Wisteria Terrace

The Wisteria Terrace, draped with a century-old wisteria vine, creates a dreamy atmosphere perfect for capturing your love story.

San Ysidro Ranch Wedding Cost

One of the most important things you’re going to need to know about this Montecito wedding venue is the cost. Depending on which site you choose to host your San Ysidro Wedding, this will determine the cost. Generally, the average San Ysidro Ranch wedding cost will range from $50,000 to $100,000. This includes the venue rental fee, food and beverage minimums, service fees, and taxes.

Different Spaces at the Ranch & Their Respective Costs

The Gardens

If you’re looking to host your San Ysidro Ranch wedding at The Gardens located at this Montecito wedding venue, you’re looking at a site fee of around $3,000-$10,000. Keep in mind that the range of these numbers can vary depending on the time of the week/year.

• Saturday during peak season you’re looking to spend around $7500

• Friday/Sundays during peak season you’re looking to spend around $6,000

• Holiday weekends are around $10,000

The Wine Cellar

If you’re looking to host your San Ysidro Ranch wedding in the Wine Cellar, just know that they have a site fee of about $750-$2,500.

• The wine cellar also has a food and beverage minimum: lunch being $75/pp and dinner being $150/pp, and cocktails/hors d’oeuvres for a 2-hour maximum at 75/pp

The Old Adobe

To book Old Adobe for your San Ysidro Ranch wedding, you’re looking at a site fee of about $300-400. 

• You also have to abide by a food/beverage minimum as well: $500 for 2-4 guests or $150/pp or 5 or more guests

The Stonehouse San Ysidro Ranch

To celebrate your San Ysidro Ranch wedding at The Stonehouse Restaurant, you’re looking at a site fee of:

• Lunch: $5000 and must conclude by 3pm

• Dinner: $10,000 Sunday - Thursday and $25,000 Friday and Saturday

You will also find that The Stonehouse Restaurant also has food and beverage minimums which include:

• Lunch: $7000

• Dinner: $15000 Sunday - Thursday and Friday - Saturday is $25000

Plow & Angel

If you’re looking to book Plow & Angel for your wedding day, you’re looking at a site fee of:

• Lunch: $2000 and must conclude by 3pm

• Dinner: $10,000 - $20,000

You’re also looking at a food and barrage minimum:

• Lunch: $3,000

• Dinner: $10,000 - $20,000

San Ysidro Ranch Wedding Guest Capacity

If you’re looking to use this Montecito wedding venue for your San Ysidro Ranch Wedding, just know that they have a max guest capacity of 200 wedding guests.

Amenities Included at San Ysidro Ranch

At San Ysidro Ranch Santa Barbara, you are given a plethora of amenities during your stay here. Some of these amenities include:

• On-site accommodations, including private cottages and suites
• Private Wine Tastings
• On Site Spa Site - Massages, Facials, and Body Wraps
• Outdoor Activities - Tennis Court, Hiking Trails, Outdoor Heated Pool, Lawn Games, and Mini Golf
• Private Dining & Event Venues
• Complimentary valet parking for wedding guests
• Professional event planning and coordination
• Botanical Gardens
• Pool Bar
• Fitness Studio 
• Nightly Live Music
• and more

The amenities included when you book a stay a San Ysidro Ranch is one of the many reasons why so many couples choose to book their wedding here. This Montecito wedding venue ultimately seems like they have everything that you could ever want. 

Choosing the Perfect San Ysidro Ranch Wedding Venue

San Ysidro Ranch has various options for one's ceremony and reception sites. What you select will depend on your guest count. Here are the options:

The Garden Ceremony Venues

San Ysidro Ranch boasts several gorgeous garden ceremony venues for couples to choose from, each can accommodate up to 100 guests and offers its own unique charm and ambiance.

The Upper Estate Lawn

The Upper Estate Lawn is a breathtaking outdoor space surrounded by lush gardens and towering trees. With its expansive green lawn, fragrant rose bushes, and views of the ocean, this venue provides an unforgettable setting for an intimate garden ceremony.

The Lower Gardens

The Lower Gardens offer a serene and secluded atmosphere, surrounded by the natural beauty of olive trees, lavender fields, and blooming gardens. This enchanting venue is ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings.

The Wine Cellar

For couples seeking an indoor ceremony option, the Wine Cellar offers a warm, romantic space adorned with antique wine barrels and illuminated by flickering candlelight.

San Ysidro Ranch Reception Venues

After you've exchanged your vows, it's time to celebrate with friends and family. San Ysidro Ranch offers several stunning reception venues to choose from, each designed to provide a memorable and enchanting dining experience.

The Old Adobe - Intimate Reception

Old Adobe can accommodate up to 6 guests. This site is one of San Ysidro Ranch’s oldest structures and has a ton of history behind it. This beautiful site dates back all the way to 1825. It has a rustic elegance charm to it that offers a unique dining experience. This is perfect if you’re looking for a small elopement for your San Ysidro Ranch wedding.

The Hydrangea Cottage - Intimate Reception

For a more intimate reception, the Hydrangea Cottage offers a private and romantic setting, complete with a cozy fireplace and a charming outdoor patio.

The Stonehouse - Larger Reception

As I mentioned before, one of San Ysidro Ranch’s standout features is the amazing amenities. One of those amenities is a private dining experience. The Stonehouse Restaurant is the perfect reception site for your San Ysidro Ranch wedding. It accommodates up to 100 guests. The Stonehouse Restaurant is located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, which is a major contributor to the San Ysidro Ranch's history. It features an elegant lounge and a separate dining room with a fireplace and creekside views. You’re also able to look out on a covered terrace with treetop views of the Pacific Ocean.

Wine Cellar - Intimate Reception

The Wine Cellar at San Ysidro Ranch is especially extraordinary. It can accommodate up to 30 guests and is absolutely stunning. This space is perfect for a rehearsal dinner and offers a private dining room. In this private dining room surrounding you are barrel-vaulted ceilings and stucco walls. You are greeted with a stunning glass doorway that gives you access to a private patio where guests can mingle under twinkling lights and a stone fireplace. Again, this site in particular is perfect if you’re looking for an elopement or more of an intimate wedding celebration. 

Carriage House - Mid Sized Reception

The Carriage House is a beautiful location site at San Ysidro Ranch. It accommodates up to 60 guests and is perfect for a bridal luncheon or wedding reception. Inside a beautifully decorated cottage, you feel transported back to the rustic charm of the late 1800s. In the Carriage House, you will fine interior features that include french doors and residential decor that open onto a private stone-paved patio.

Plow & Angel Restaurant - Mid Sized Reception

Plow & Angel Restaurant can accommodate up to 50 guests. This small but mighty restaurant is actually tucked under the Stonehouse Restaurant! It offers a magical open-air setting which is perfect for an intimate San Ysidro Ranch wedding.

FAQS About Planning a Wedding at San Ysidro Ranch

How many guests can San Ysidro Ranch accommodate for a wedding?

San Ysidro Ranch can accommodate weddings of various sizes, with the maximum capacity being 200 guests. However, the exact number of guests will depend on the event spaces you choose for your ceremony and reception.

Are there any restrictions on decor or setup for a wedding at San Ysidro Ranch?

San Ysidro Ranch encourages couples to personalize their weddings but does have some restrictions to protect the venue and its surroundings. Open flames, fireworks, and balloons are not allowed, and all decor must be approved by the venue's events team.

Is there a curfew for wedding events at San Ysidro Ranch?

San Ysidro Ranch has a curfew of 10 pm for outdoor events and midnight for indoor events. This ensures that all guests can enjoy a peaceful night's rest and that the venue remains a tranquil retreat for all its visitors.

Do I need to rent any additional items for my wedding at San Ysidro Ranch?

San Ysidro Ranch provides many essentials for your wedding, such as tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware. However, you may need to rent additional items like specialty lighting, decor, or a dance floor. Your events team can help guide you through this process and recommend local rental companies.

Is parking available for guests at San Ysidro Ranch?

Yes, San Ysidro Ranch offers complimentary valet parking for all wedding guests. This ensures a seamless arrival and departure experience for your friends and family.

Are pets allowed at San Ysidro Ranch weddings?

San Ysidro Ranch is a pet-friendly venue, allowing well-behaved pets to join in your wedding celebrations. However, some restrictions may apply, and pets must be on a leash at all times. It's essential to discuss your plans to include your furry friends with the events team.

Benefits of Having a San Ysidro Ranch Wedding

There are several benefits to having a San Ysidro Ranch wedding, some of those include the:

• Indoor and outdoor venue spaces
• Catering and alcohol are provided by the venue *with a fee*
• Non-smoking wedding venue
• Pet Friendly
• Kid Friendly
• ADA Accessibility
• Valet Parking
• Dining chairs and tables
• On-site restrooms

Fun Activities Near San Ysidro Ranch for Wedding Guests

Activity 1: Wine Tasting

The nearby Santa Ynez Valley is home to numerous wineries, offering your guests the opportunity to enjoy a day of wine tasting and exploring the beautiful vineyards.

Activity 2: Beach Day

Take advantage of the beautiful California coastline with a beach day at one of the nearby beaches, such as Butterfly Beach or East Beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beach sports.

Activity 3: Shopping and Dining in Santa Barbara

Guests can spend a day exploring the charming shops, galleries, and restaurants of downtown Santa Barbara, just a short drive from San Ysidro Ranch.

Activity 4: Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

With its stunning natural surroundings, the Santa Barbara area offers a variety of hiking and outdoor adventures, including trails in the Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Activity 5: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a beautiful and tranquil attraction, showcasing California native plants and offering a peaceful retreat for your wedding guests.

5 Hotels Near San Ysidro Ranch

1. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (2.7 miles from the venue) - This luxury resort offers elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and stunning ocean views.

2. Montecito Inn (1.1 miles from the venue) - A charming boutique hotel with a rich history, Montecito Inn offers comfortable accommodations and a convenient location near San Ysidro Ranch.

3. Rosewood Miramar Beach (2.1 miles from the venue) - This five-star resort features luxurious accommodations, beach access, and exceptional dining options, ensuring a memorable stay for your guests.

4. Belmond El Encanto (4.8 miles from the venue) - Nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto offers a serene setting, beautiful accommodations, and impeccable service.

5. Kimpton Canary Hotel (6.6 miles from the venue) - Located in downtown Santa Barbara, this boutique hotel offers stylish accommodations and a rooftop pool with stunning views.

Tips For Having an Epic San Ysidro Ranch Wedding

Create a unique wedding experience with personalized decor - The Ranch is known for allowing its couples to have a customized and unique wedding experience. So if you choose to have a San Ysidro Ranch wedding, don’t be afraid to make it your own. At personal touches about you and your partner's love story, your favorite colors and things that remind you of each other.

Be Intentional and Have A First Look - I am such a sucker for first looks, and with good reason! It is the perfect way to add some more intentionality to your wedding day as well as calm down any of those wedding day jitters. Set aside some time with your partner to have a moment to yourself, and soak in the fact that you’re getting married. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Creative - When it comes to your wedding day, don’t be afraid to get creative. This Montecito wedding venue is one of a kind, so don’t be afraid to use the scenery and landscaping to your advantage, especially when it comes to your portrait locations.

Get In Touch!

If you're looking for a Montecito Wedding Photographer to capture your wedding day, then I am your gal! Inquire down below to chat about wedding details and to capture your San Ysidro Ranch Wedding!

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